Plumage changes in birds

[Avondale87]

I started this 3 years but it didn't gain much traction
Our wrens are renowned for their plumage change through the year
Predominant wren here is Superb Fairy Wren with dramatic changes in some but not all males
From this

to this and even less
I think this one is coming out of winter to breeding plumage but the change is same in reverse

Be interested to see others input

 

[kartsahoo]

Hi.

Changing the plumage must take quite a lot of energy from these little birds. In northern Europe the cold climate and the lack of food during wintertime prevents many of our local birds from plumage change.
I'm more than happy to see these pictures. The change is unbelievable.
BTW, the pictures are so beautiful!

 

[kartsahoo]

For example this little fellow here, Eurasian treecreeper does not change plumage at all. A complete opposite to the Superb Fairy Wren.

 

[Avondale87]

For example this little fellow here, Eurasian treecreeper does not change plumage at all. A complete opposite to the Superb Fairy Wren.

View attachment 18671

Thanks Kari
Interesting comment re the cold and plumage change.
Hadn't even considered that as a factor.

Your treecreeper is gorgeous.
I could live around those very easily.

I'll dig out some more later

 

[Lester Wareham]

Shoveler (Anas clypeata) male
birds Shoverler m C01_12-10-23-0001 by Lester W, on Flickr

birds Shoverler m A01_12-10-23-0003 by Lester W, on Flickr

 

[KD_Reno]

Podiceps nigricollis - Eared Grebe in North America, Black-necked Grebe in UK/Europe.

 

[KD_Reno]

Hi.

Changing the plumage must take quite a lot of energy from these little birds. In northern Europe the cold climate and the lack of food during wintertime prevents many of our local birds from plumage change.
I'm more than happy to see these pictures. The change is unbelievable.
BTW, the pictures are so beautiful!

Changing plumage does require energy, but because feathers wear out, all birds go through at least one complete annual molt, usually following breeding. But not all go through a second partial or complete molt prior to breeding. Even birds with a single molt can change appearance due to feather wear. The European Starling is good example. The feathers on fresh fall birds have white tips which wear off by spring. I'd post a comparison, but I don't seem to have any spring shots.

 

[kartsahoo]

Hello, all.

KD, You are quite correct: the feathers wear out and they have to be replaced. What i was trying to say was that for some birds the outlook does not change twice a year but only the necessary molt happens.

 

[KD_Reno]

Hello, all.

KD, You are quite correct: the feathers wear out and they have to be replaced. What i was trying to say was that for some birds the outlook does not change twice a year but only the necessary molt happens.

That makes sense. And it also makes sense that lack of a second molt would be a good adaptation for birds wintering in the north.

 

[KD_Reno]

American Goldfinches are winter residents in my area, but they gradually molt into breeding plumage before they leave. So we only get a brief look at them at their best.

 

[Lester Wareham]

Changing plumage does require energy, but because feathers wear out, all birds go through at least one complete annual molt, usually following breeding. But not all go through a second partial or complete molt prior to breeding. Even birds with a single molt can change appearance due to feather wear. The European Starling is good example. The feathers on fresh fall birds have white tips which wear off by spring. I'd post a comparison, but I don't seem to have any spring shots.

They can really get worn out by the breading cycle. Her is a dad after raising junior in the background.

birds bullfinch jm A01_007_16-08-19 by Lester W, on Flickr

This is how dad started out

birds 7D bullfinch m A1_005_25-05-14 by Lester W, on Flickr

 

[Avondale87]

They can really get worn out by the breading cycle. Her is a dad after raising junior in the background.

birds bullfinch jm A01_007_16-08-19 by Lester W, on Flickr

This is how dad started out

birds 7D bullfinch m A1_005_25-05-14 by Lester W, on Flickr

Interesting to see
I'd never thought much about the wear and tear due to lifes rigours.
Beautiful bird is that Bullfinch

Appreciate all the input here

 

[Avondale87]

I made this for POTN and return it here
It shows the quite dramatic changes the male Superb Fairy Wren goes through
Doesn't show the stage where they are very similar to female with just a black bill and legs and sometimes a blue tail still. But females are known to have latter

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

The changes on some of these birds are truly amazing.